What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers want to hire problem-solvers who can handle conflict. This question looks for a candidate who can analyze and prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and demonstrate resilience under pressure.

How to structure your answer

1. Identify the Competing Priorities: Clearly outline the conflicting responsibilities and tasks you faced.

2. Analyze the Situation: Highlight the challenges and obstacles you encountered while juggling multiple priorities.

3. Develop a Prioritization Strategy: Show how you evaluated the significance and urgency of each responsibility and determined the optimal sequence to tackle them.

4. Effective Communication: Demonstrate how you kept stakeholders informed of your progress, sought input, and ensured alignment with team goals.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Showcase your ability to adjust your schedule and handle unexpected changes while staying focused on your priorities.

6. Positive Outcomes: Share tangible outcomes that showcase the successful completion of tasks despite competing demands.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
– Avoid simply listing your responsibilities; focus on the decision-making process and problem-solving skills you employed.

– Quantify your accomplishments to illustrate the impact of your actions.

– Show initiative and problem-solving skills by explaining how you went beyond your role to address competing priorities.

Things to Avoid:
– Don’t talk about situations where you failed to meet deadlines or expectations.

– Avoid blaming others for your inability to handle competing priorities.

– Don’t provide vague or irrelevant examples.

Example interview answers to this question

Strong Answer 1:

“In my previous role, I managed multiple projects simultaneously, each with tight deadlines and demanding clients. To navigate this complexity, I first created a comprehensive list of all my responsibilities, categorized them based on priority, and scheduled my tasks accordingly. I set realistic goals and allocated specific time slots to each project, ensuring I met all deadlines.

Through proactive communication, I kept stakeholders informed about my progress and potential roadblocks. This open dialogue allowed me to manage expectations and seek assistance when necessary. By prioritizing efficiently and adapting to unexpected changes, I successfully completed all projects on time, exceeding client expectations.”

Analysis: This answer is strong as it demonstrates a clear process for prioritizing tasks, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. The candidate also showcases their adaptability and resilience under pressure.

Strong Answer 2:

“As a team lead, I was responsible for both client satisfaction and employee development. At times, these priorities clashed, especially when dealing with difficult clients. To address this, I prioritized resolving client issues promptly while also ensuring my team’s growth and well-being. I scheduled regular check-ins with my team to provide support and address any concerns.

Furthermore, I fostered a culture of open communication, encouraging my team to bring challenges to my attention. By balancing the needs of clients and employees, I maintained high customer satisfaction while improving team morale and productivity.”

Analysis: This answer showcases the candidate’s ability to strike a balance between competing priorities. It highlights their strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. The focus on employee development demonstrates their commitment to long-term team success.